As a buyer, do I need a REALTOR®?

Not all real estate licensees are Realtors.
A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors,
a professional organization for real estate professionals.

By Bobbi Holmes

      I can’t understand why any buyer would opt to shop "For Sale by Owners" (FSBOs). Traditionally, buyers do not pay for the services of a REALTOR®, it is paid by the seller.  And from my experience, homeowners do not reduce the price of their property to cover what they are not paying in commissions.
         The best thing a buyer can do is find a REALTOR® they are comfortable with, and stay with them.  Do not bounce around, having one REALTOR® show you one house, and another agent show you something else.  Let your REALTOR® know exactly what you are looking for, and let them do the work.
         Working closely with one REALTOR® can bring about a lifetime of benefits.  I know of one buyer who has been loyal to the same agent for over 20 years.  And because of this, whenever that agent comes across a great deal, that buyer is one of the  people he calls.  Had the buyer not established such a loyal relationship, chances are that agent would never have considered informing the buyer of various opportunities.
         Looking through home buyers' magazines can be entertaining, yet often (in a brisk market) those great deals are gone by the time the publication has gone to print.  Therefore, you need an agent who will be on the lookout for what you are looking for, and the moment it hits the market, inform you.
         You also have less stress and more protection with a REALTOR®, who can guide you through the process, advise you of the necessary inspections, and let you know if the house is priced reasonably.
         To maintain his or her license, your REALTOR® is required to take renewal classes, to keep  updated on current laws or important real estate issues.  That knowledge comes back to you, the buyer or seller. Your REALTOR® can help you locate lenders, inspectors and title companies.
         Last year a friend of my mother-in-law decided to purchase a townhouse, and refused to go through a REALTOR®, believing she would save money, by reducing the cost for the seller.  Not only did she not save any money, she later regretted her decision.  She had no understanding of the restrictions of a townhouse, and the possible assessments, as well as monthly fees.  There was no representative to suggest inspections, home warranties, and to assure she understood the difference between owning a townhouse and her previous single family home.